Influence, Identity, and the Super Bowl: How Culture Can Shape, Or Strengthen, Who We Are
When Dr. Kathy says, “We become like the people we hang out with and the people we follow,” she isn’t just talking about friendships; she is describing the invisible current of influence that shapes how our kids see themselves. Whether it’s musicians, athletes, or online personalities, the people who capture our attention ultimately shape our imaginations.
This year, the announcement that Bad Bunny would headline the Super Bowl halftime show sparked not just debate but discomfort. For many, it ignited a sense that mainstream culture was drifting further from the family living room. In response, Christian artist Corey Asbury called for a family-friendly alternative. It was a small act of courage that revealed something much bigger: believers are hungry for spaces where their faith and their families can belong.
Influence and Imitation
What we pay attention to influences us. That’s as true for kids scrolling through TikTok as it is for parents flipping through channels.
Influence isn’t neutral. It trains our hearts to love certain things, to value certain stories. That’s why Dr. Kathy urges parents to “not allow the liar to be influencing us and our kids.” When culture normalizes confusion or anger, children begin to imitate it; not just in speech or style, but in identity.
At the same time, when Christian artists “face the dark,” giving an influential alternative to harming influencers, they do more than something better. They’re giving courage to kids and families alike, showing that Christians can’t run away from culture when we’re called to influence and build it.
Big Moments Build Belonging
Big moments, like Christmas, Easter, the Fourth of July, even the Super Bowl, anchor us. We create memories and routines, and kids look forward to things. They have expectations. These aren’t trivial routines; they’re formative ones. They whisper to children, “This is who we are. This is what we value.”
These moments act in culture like rhythms that make security tangible. Predictability in the home creates peace in the heart. And these rhythms engage the family and form family traditions, giving kids a sense of continuity in a chaotic world. They remind them that belonging starts at home and flows outward to community and faith. They teach empathy, patience, and teamwork, the very things culture often unteaches.
When Faith Shapes Culture
In 2 Kings 2 King Josiah models how cultural renewal starts when God’s people reclaim moments of celebration and direct them back to God.
Josiah gathered the nation to read Scripture aloud and reinstituted the Passover, turning a cultural habit into holy worship. In the same way, Wayne urged families to reclaim modern liturgies like the Super Bowl.
Cultural renewal doesn’t mean canceling everything that’s worldly; it means redeeming what can be redeemed and celebrating what points to truth. It means teaching our kids that joy is deeper than hype and belonging is holier than popularity.
Awaken the 8 Great Smarts as You Engage Culture
Dr. Kathy reminds parents that every child is born capable of all eight smarts, and each can be awakened as we guide them through culture intentionally:
Word Smart: Ask your kids to describe what they see or hear in a commercial or halftime show. Discuss how words shape meaning and why lyrics matter.
Logic Smart: Compare cultural messages with Scripture. Ask, “Does that make sense in light of what God says?”
Picture Smart: Have them draw or design a poster showing what true celebration looks like when it honors God.
Music Smart: Listen to a Christian artist’s halftime alternative. Discuss how melody and lyrics can both teach and worship.
Body Smart: Cook your Super Bowl snacks together or act out a story from the Bible that celebrates courage.
Nature Smart: Step outside during halftime and marvel at God’s creation—remind them who really made the stars they see on stage.
People Smart: Role-play conversations where they kindly express their values to friends who see things differently.
Self Smart: Encourage them to journal after big cultural moments: What did I feel? What do I believe? How did I honor God today?
Remember, when we awaken these smarts, we teach our children to think, feel, and live wisely in a noisy world; to face the dark without fear, and to shine.